LGUs of Palawan Receive Farm-to-Market Roads from PBBM to Boost Agriculture

CORON, Palawan – Three (3) Farm-to-Market Roads (FMRs) were turned over by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary Conrado Estrella III, to the local government units here on September 19, 2023, to improve agricultural activities and ensure better transport of goods for farmers in rural communities across Palawan.

The newly completed roads, with a total value of ₱44.7 million, will provide accessibility for local farmers, directly benefiting 1,075 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) in the First Legislative District of Palawan.

The 3 FMRs are located in key agricultural areas: from Sitio Nalbot to Arado in Barangay Poblacion, Taytay (0.481 kilometers), Busuang to Caruray in Barangay Caramay, Roxas (0.580 kilometers), and Barangay San Nicolas to Caniogan, Coron (0.300 kilometers). These roads are designed to enhance connectivity between farming communities and local markets, fostering economic activity and improving the overall quality of life for farmers.

President Marcos emphasized the importance of these roads in uplifting the livelihood of farmers. “These new roads will help bring you closer to buyers and improve your way of living,” he said, underscoring the crucial role of infrastructure in rural development.

“We understand the difficulties faced by farmers, especially those who plant in far-flung areas. With these farm-to-market roads, the transport of your goods to markets will become faster and more efficient, preventing your harvest from spoiling,” the President added.

Marcos noted the historical significance of the projects, referencing that the development of infrastructure to support farmers began during the administration of his father, former President Ferdinand E. Marcos, with then DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella, Sr. the grandfather of the current DAR Secretary. Now, under Secretary Estrella III, this legacy continues.

The provision of support services is part of the DAR's ongoing efforts to enhance food production and improve the lives of farmers. “Through these FMRs, the farmers would now have cheaper and easier access to their destinations. The time they saved from their usual trip could be spent in